NORTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 20/2/05
The very cold Northerly airstream has continued with further snow
showers.  Drifting has led to deep windslab accumulations forming
on lee slopes.  Were tested on a South-East aspect at 1100 metres
instabilities were present between the hard and soft slab layers.
Recent avalanche debris was also noted in the same location. The
avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 21/2/05 Snow showers will continue
on moderate North becoming North-East winds with very cold
temperatures.  Avalanches are likely due to weakly bonded
windslab affecting mainly steep South-Easterly through to
South-Westerly aspects above 850 metres.  North-West to
North-East sheltered gully tops and crag aprons will also be
affected.  The avalanche hazard will be Considerable (Category
3).

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION:  Good cover over the back of Cairngorm and on
plateau.

ICING:  Plenty of climbing available in freezing conditions.    

COMMENT:  Very high wind chill in the mountains today.



LOCHABER
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 20/2/05
Localised areas of moderately bonded snow are present on
sheltered South-East, South and South-West aspects above 950m.
Some sheltered North-East and East facing crag aprons are also
affected. The avalanche hazard is Moderate (Category 2).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 21/2/05
Snow showers and cold Northerly winds will continue overnight and
during Monday. Localised areas of moderately bonded snow will be
present on sheltered South-East, South and South-West aspects
above 950m. Some sheltered North-East and East facing crag
aprons will also be affected. The avalanche hazard will be
Moderate (Category 2). Wind scoured snow slopes will remain
frozen and stable.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Main accumulations in East facing 
corries.
ICING: Freezing level remaining low.
COMMENT: Good climbing conditions. Many routes in 
reasonable condition.
 


GLENCOE
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 20/2/05
There are light accumulations of fresh snow above 500m but these new
deposits are generally not significant. The greatest deposits are 
on Southerly aspects and in sheltered gullies above 800m. Some 
surface instability exists on steep scarp slopes and sheltered 
gully exits. The avalanche hazard in these areas is Moderate 
(Category 2). 

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 21/2/05
Cold N to NE winds will bring further snow showers to the area
during Sunday night and Monday. The strong winds will continue to
scour windward slopes producing windslab and surface
instabilities.  The areas affected will be on steep scarp slopes
and gully exits in sheltered locations on SE to SW aspects mainly
above 800m. Although these instabilities are not expected to be
significant they will be weakly bonded and the avalanche hazard
will be Moderate (Category 2) in these areas.


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow above 500 metres with best 
cover above 800m.
ICING: Freezing at all levels overnight becoming 300m on 
Monday. 
COMMENT:  Best prospects for climbing are in the higher 
corries. Buttresses are improving. Verglas forming.


SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 20/2/05
Deeper deposits of very dry multi-layered snow can be found in
sheltered locations on E through S to SW aspects above 700
metres. Where accumulations overlie snow-ice they are poorly
bonded. These areas are generally avoidable. Elsewhere is
generally well bonded. The avalanche hazard is Considerable
(Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 21/2/05
Further snow showers are expected throughout the period.
Accumulations of dry light snow will be found in sheltered
locations on E through S to SW aspects at all levels. Deposits
will be unstable where they form over older snow-ice. Most of
these areas may be avoided. The avalanche hazard will be
Considerable (Category 3).


CLIMBING CONDITIONS 
SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Best in main Cairngorms or on S 
aspects elsewhere. 
ICING: Watercourses offer best possibilities.
COMMENT: Many tracks and paths are slow going due to 
being covered in ice.



CREAG MEAGAIDH
AVALANCHE HAZARD 1500 HRS SUN 20/2/05
A strong, cold Northerly wind has continued windslab development
on East through South to South-West aspects above 700 metres.
Very easy shears were obtained in field tests of dense slab
deposits of 60 cm with triggering possible with low additional
loads. The avalanche hazard is Considerable (Category 3).

AVALANCHE HAZARD OUTLOOK MON 21/2/05
Snow showers on a strong North-East wind will continue to build
dense, weakly bonded windslab on East through South to West
aspects above 700 metres. Deep sub-surface instabilities will
persist and avalanches are likely on the above mentioned aspects.
The avalanche hazard will remain Considerable (Category 3).
Unstable cornice development will also continue above steep lee
aspects.

CLIMBING CONDITIONS 

SNOW DISTRIBUTION: Snow at all levels. Variable with 
firm snow ice and breakable crust. Ski crampons essential for 
steep ski touring ascents.

ICING: Some classic routes receiving traffic. Take care, as 
some gully exits are a little nasty with fresh windslab.

COMMENT: A busy day in the Creag Meagaidh winter 
sporting arena. 




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